Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-for-america-revealed-hits-40-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-for-america-revealed-hits-40-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-for-america-revealed-hits-40-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford Fiesta has proven to be a very successful small car wherever it's sold in the world. Ford has sold 12 million Fiestas over the vehicle's lifetime and the new-for-2009 model has moved half a million units already this year in Europe and Asia. It's a smash hit in spite of the fact that the Fiesta is not for sale in the U.S., a.k.a. the world's biggest car market. That all changes in the spring of 2010 as the Fiesta finally makes its way stateside.

Ford appears to be focusing its efforts in the U.S. small car market at exactly the right time, as consideration for B-Segment vehicles is at an all-time high and the trend appears to be upwardly mobile. And while Ford would love for us to believe that it was clairvoyant when deciding to bring the Fiesta to the U.S., it just isn't true. In fact, the Fiesta wasn't originally designed for the U.S. market, but the shock of $4 per gallon gas and a new-found interest in eco-friendly transportation led the Blue Oval to rethink its strategy. Ford didn't start readying the Fiesta for the U.S. market until many bits and bolts of hardware were already settled, so Team Blue had to go back to the drawing board to make its small car ready for Americans. The result is a U.S.-spec Fiesta that has only 60% of its parts in common with the Euro Fiesta. Will Americans be missing out? Follow the jump for everything you need to know about the Fiesta.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta

Continue reading LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg

LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestafiestafiesta specsFiestaSpecsfordFord fiestaford fiesta launchFordFiestaFordFiestaLaunchla 2009LA auto showLa2009LaAutoShowlashowus spec fiestaUsSpecFiestaWed, 02 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM could sell some Saab assets to Chinese; brand has through year's end to find buyer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-gm-could-sell-some-saab-assets-to-chinese-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-gm-could-sell-some-saab-assets-to-chinese-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-gm-could-sell-some-saab-assets-to-chinese-automaker/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



General Motors' Saab brand has been given a one month stay of execution as the Detroit, MI-based automaker has announced that it will hold off on a decision regarding the brand's fate until the end of the year. GM's apparent non-decision comes just one week after it announced that Swedish specialty car maker Koenigsegg unexpectedly pulled out of the running for Saab.

While GM isn't commenting on any potential suitors at this time due to non-disclosure agreements with the parties involved, speculation is that Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. and Wyoming-based Merbanco Inc are in the running for the struggling Swedish automaker. BAIC appears to make some sense considering the Chinese automaker's desire to enter the U.S. market and the fact that it was also involved in a bid to purchase Opel from GM earlier in the fall.

Beijing Auto was also reportedly involved in the original Koenigsegg deal, which fell apart for reasons we may never know. GM said in a brief statement (available after the jump) that if no deals materialized by the end of the year, it expects to begin an orderly wind down of the global Saab business at that time."

[Sources: The Detroit News; General Motors | Image: Torsten Silz/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading REPORT: GM could sell some Saab assets to Chinese; brand has through year's end to find buyer

REPORT: GM could sell some Saab assets to Chinese; brand has through year's end to find buyer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beijing automotiveBeijingAutomotivegmkoenigseggsaabsaab saleSaabSaleTue, 01 Dec 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Fritz Henderson's unexpected resignation may have taken top billing today, but it wasn't the only move announced by General Motors today. Michael Richards has been named the new General Manager of Buick GMC effective immediately, with the automaker looking from outside the company to fill the roll. Richards replaces Susan Docherty, who was named Vice President of US Sales in October. Richards joins GM after a short stint at Trilogy Automotive in Austin, Texas, where he led the use of digital and Internet-based solutions. Richards also worked as a consultant for JD Power where he launched tools for improved vehicle launch profitability and customer satisfaction.

The bulk of Richards' experience comes from cross-town rival Ford where he worked from 1981-2008. Richards was most recently the marketing brand manager for Lincoln Mercury from 2006-2008. Prior to that he worked as the general sales manager for Ford Customer Service from 2002-2006.

Regardless of where Richards received his management chops, Vice Chairman and Marketing and Communications chief Bob Lutz likes what he has with the long-time Ford man. "We are pleased to have Mike as a member of the GM family. His vast sales and marketing experience will be invaluable in his new role, as he leads the team building the Buick and GMC brands."

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager

Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzbuick gmc general managerBuickGmcGeneralManagergmmichael richardsMichaelRichardssusan dochertySusanDochertyTue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Better Than Before: 2010 NAIAS welcomes return of Nissan and Porsche, 54 carmakers total]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/better-than-before-2010-naias-welcomes-return-of-nissan-and-por/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/better-than-before-2010-naias-welcomes-return-of-nissan-and-por/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/better-than-before-2010-naias-welcomes-return-of-nissan-and-por/#commentsFiled under: , ,



For many auto enthusiasts, the 2009 North American International Auto Show was the official beginning of the US economic downturn. Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Porsche didn't even bother to show up for the once-prestigious event and Honda chose not to unveil any new product. A couple months back, the NAIAS organizers gave us some hope for the 2010 extravaganza when they said that the show would be better attended this time around. Well it appears that the show will at least be marginally better.

NAIAS co-chair Doug Fox has reportedly told the Detroit Free Press that at least 54 automakers will take part in the show this year, up four from 2009. Fox also estimates that a couple more automakers may decide to join in on the fun, but nothing is official at this time. Also exciting is news that both Porsche and Nissan will participate in this year's show, though the extent of their presence isn't very clear. We do know that Nissan will, at the very least, participate in the Detroit show's 37,000-square-foot Electric Avenue exhibit, which features electric vehicles from 26 automakers. So far Porsche will only participate in a special event called "The Gallery," which will be held for holders of the American Express Centurion card. The invitation-only event will be held at the MGM Grand on January 10.

While it's nice to see that Porsche and Nissan are going to be active at NAIAS 2010, we're a bit disappointed at the level of participation. At least the show will top the down year that was NAIAS 2009, but it looks like we may still be a ways away from the grandeur of shows gone by.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Better Than Before: 2010 NAIAS welcomes return of Nissan and Porsche, 54 carmakers total originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit 2009detroit 2010Detroit2009Detroit2010naiasnissannorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowporscheTue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ford loses appeal in rollover case, must pay $55M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



According to The Detroit News, the Supreme Court has let stand a ruling that Ford Motor Company is at fault for a 2002 rollover crash involving a 1997 Ford Explorer and the Dearborn, MI-based automaker must pay $55 million in punitive damages. Benetta Buell-Wilson's Explorer rolled over four-and-a-half times after she swerved to avoid debris. When the roof collapsed on her neck, it severed her spinal cord and left her paralyzed.

Ford unsuccessfully argued that it shouldn't be punished due to the fact that the Explorer complied with federal safety standards when it was built. Buell-Wilson was originally awarded $369 million in damages, but a pair of California courts cut down the total value of damages to $82.6 million.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Ford loses appeal in rollover case, must pay $55M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benetta buell-wilsonBenettaBuell-wilsonfordford explorerFordExplorerrolloversupreme courtSupremeCourtTue, 01 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Lamborghini Gallardo cop car crashes in Italy thanks to careless driver]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-lamborghini-gallardo-cop-car-crashes-in-italy-thanks-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-lamborghini-gallardo-cop-car-crashes-in-italy-thanks-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-lamborghini-gallardo-cop-car-crashes-in-italy-thanks-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia is a very capable police cruiser that just happens to also be an extremely desirable Italian exotic. How many police cruisers can go 200 mph while toting a vital organ in its specially made refrigerated storage? While Lambo and the Italian State Police thought of all kinds of neat amenities to make the LP560-4 the perfect cruiser, they neglected to install an idiot detection device and now they're paying the ultimate price.

One of two Gallardo LP560-4 Polizias is ready for the scrap heap after a careless Seat Ibiza driver pulled out of a gas station without first looking for $200,000 police car. The undoubtedly surprised driver of the Gallardo swerved to avoid the oblivious one and smashed into a row of parked cars. The wedge-like Gallardo hit the cars so hard that one vehicle actually ended up on top (see above) of the ultimate Pig-mobile, crushing the front end. Luckily, the police officer and his passenger were unhurt in the incident. Ironically, the police issue Gallardo was on its way home from a safe driving seminar when the accident occurred.

What a bummer. The cop driving the car was one of 20 officers specially trained to handle the Gallardo's awesome V10 power. Now that the world's neatest police cruiser is scrap-worthy, he'll likely have to go back to driving a Fiat. Thanks for the tips, everyone!!


Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia


[Source: Guardian | Image: YouReporter.IT]

REPORT: Lamborghini Gallardo cop car crashes in Italy thanks to careless driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cop carCopCargallardo poliziaGallardoPolizialamborghini cop cartlamborghini gallardo lp560-4LamborghiniCopCartLamborghiniGallardoLp560-4police cruiserPoliceCruiserTue, 01 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota dealers caught off guard by pedal recall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-toyota-dealers-caught-out-by-pedal-entrapment-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-toyota-dealers-caught-out-by-pedal-entrapment-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-toyota-dealers-caught-out-by-pedal-entrapment-recall/#commentsFiled under: ,



Last week Toyota publicly announced that it was recalling 3.8 million Avalon, Camry and Lexus ES 350 models on account of fears over unintended acceleration. The fix for Toyota's sudden acceleration issue includes the reshaping and/or replacing of accelerator pedals, with replacement pedals reportedly arriving in April. As you'd probably guess, the massive recall has led to many customers calling dealers for additional info, but unfortunately dealers weren't exactly prepared to respond.

Wards Automotive is reporting that Toyota didn't inform its dealer body of the proposed changes, which apparently includes the reconfiguration of the floor of some models, before the announcement was made. The industry trade journal says that a Toyota spokesman told them that the severity of the situation meant there was no time to inform dealers first, though all dealers have been informed by now.

Wards spoke to a couple dealers who sound more than a little frustrated by the situation. Earl Stewart of Earl Stewart Toyota of North Palm Bay, FL reportedly called the situation "confusing" and "embarrassing," adding that his dealership has been fixing floor mats the past few months without getting paid by Toyota for their work.

While we agree that Toyota was right in getting this information out to the public as quickly as possible, we're surprised it didn't first alert its dealer body. After all, the dealership is the public face of the company, and if customers call and dealers don't have answers, it looks like the situation is anything but under control. The official recall notices for the Avalon, Camry and ES are expected to come by year end, while five other models, including the Prius, Tacoma, Tundra and Lexus IS 250/IS 350, will receive similar notices sometime in 2010.

[Source: Wards Automotive, sub. req'd]

REPORT: Toyota dealers caught off guard by pedal recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>recallsudden accelerationSuddenAccelerationtoyotatoyota recallToyotaRecallunintended accelerationUnintendedAccelerationMon, 30 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Nav for All: Nissan offering inexpensive nav system on popular cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/nissan-to-offer-low-price-nav-system-for-high-volume-products/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/nissan-to-offer-low-price-nav-system-for-high-volume-products/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/nissan-to-offer-low-price-nav-system-for-high-volume-products/#commentsFiled under: ,



When navigation systems started showing up in the center stacks of luxury vehicles, the new (at the time) tech typically would set owners back a couple grand or more (and still does). As we gear up for 2010, mapping tech is everywhere from the most expensive luxury sleds to economical hatchbacks, but there is still one problem. If you want an LCD screen with navigation capability, the option will still set you back from over $1,000 to above and beyond $2,000 in most cases. The only exception is Suzuki, which includes its TRIP nav system as standard equipment on the sub-$20k SX4.

Nissan is looking to change the navi pricing paradigm by offering a $400 navigation system in some of its high volume 2010 MY products. That's $400, or the same price as Ford's LCD-less SYNC system. Or less than half the price of most options available in vehicles today. The nav system, which was developed by Nissan and Bosch, gives directions, integrates your tunes with USB and Aux inputs and has integrated Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling. The low cost system also connects with a backup camera and can help you save money by pointing out the route that will cost you the least fuel.

The Detroit News reviewed the nav system in 2010 Nissan Sentra and came away impressed with its overall operation, though the smallish five-inch LCD screen was reportedly a bit hard to read at times. We're hoping low cost navvies are here to stay, and with the ultra-competitive nature of the auto industry, we're thinking any automaker that doesn't follow Nissan's lead will be at a major competitive disadvantage.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Nav for All: Nissan offering inexpensive nav system on popular cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 nissan sentra2010NissanSentralow cost navigationLowCostNavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemnissannissan navigationNissanNavigationMon, 30 Nov 2009 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fitch Ratings says U.S. auto industry headed for airline-style cyclical bankruptcies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-fitch-ratings-says-u-s-auto-industry-headed-for-airline/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-fitch-ratings-says-u-s-auto-industry-headed-for-airline/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-fitch-ratings-says-u-s-auto-industry-headed-for-airline/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Remember this past spring and summer's super speedy General Motors and Chrysler bankruptcies? If the billions in government loans and White House strong-arming is starting to slip into the recesses of your memory, your mind will likely be refreshed sometime in the future, at least according to Fitch Ratings. Fitch says that high fixed costs, perpetual over capacity and weak sales will lead to more bankruptcies that will mirror the misery of the airline industry.

Fitch gives plenty of reasons that the auto industry is far from out of the woods, chief among them is the continuation of weak sales. The ratings agency predicts 2010 car sales will rise by 7.8% to 11.1 million units, an improvement that is still far shy of the industry's peak sales of 17 million units. Another chief concern is GM and Chrysler's inability to access the credit markets for the foreseeable future. Credit markets are tight enough already, and Fitch doesn't see any bank lining up to loan money to any company fresh out of bankruptcy and still in restructuring mode. And if suppliers don't become more healthy or if gas prices spike again, Fitch sees the potential for more stress and ultimately more bankruptcies. And the Detroit 3 still have to contend with a high dollar union workforce and retiree obligations. Of the Detroit automakers, Fitch unsurprisingly sees the most stability at Ford. The Blue Oval still has access to bank loans and Fitch feels it has the strongest product lineup as well.

While we certainly agree that the auto industry is anything but out of the woods, we're also a bit skeptical of Fitch Ratings' foggy crystal ball. After all, Fitch didn't foresee much of the banking collapse that brought this country to its largest recession in decades until the collapse was painfully obvious, giving AA ratings to banks like Lehman Bros. only one year before that financial institution's dive into Chapter 11 protection.

[Source: Reuters | Photo by David Goldman/Getty]

REPORT: Fitch Ratings says U.S. auto industry headed for airline-style cyclical bankruptcies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcychryslerfitch ratingsFitchRatingsfordgmMon, 30 Nov 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Saab still has at least two interested parties - BAIC and Merbanco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/report-saab-still-has-at-least-two-interested-parties-baic-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/report-saab-still-has-at-least-two-interested-parties-baic-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/report-saab-still-has-at-least-two-interested-parties-baic-an/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Koenigsegg pulled out of its agreement with General Motors to purchase Saab, many thought that General Motors would dump the Swedish automaker much like it did the Saturn brand. But it appears that The General is still willing to look for another interested party, and speculation is that two perspective buyers are at the front of the line. The Swedish press is reporting that China's Beijing Automotive (BAIC) and Wyoming-based merchant bank Merbanco have shown renewed interest in perennially cash-poor Saab.

Saab spokeswoman Gunilla Gustavs reportedly told Automotive News that there were 27 suitors interested in the Swedish automaker prior to Koenigsegg becoming the preferred bidder and confirmed that there are now other bidders interested. "We have a close dialog and close contact with several who have expressed interest in buying Saab Automobile," Gustavs says.

if another bidder does win the opportunity to purchase Saab, they'll inherit an automaker that expects to lose $427 million in 2009 and a similar amount of cash in 2010. That buyer will also run into plenty of resistance when trying to get its hands on GM's technology assets. One issue that reportedly derailed the Koenigsegg bid was GM's reluctance to share its tech for new products like the new Saab 9-5. On the upside, the aforementioned 9-5 sedan has just begun serial production, the 9-3X allweatherwagon is ready to go, and the 9-4X looks to be just around the bend, too.

Earlier in the week, GM released a statement stating that it would "take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week." Thanks for the tips, everyone!


Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-5


[Sources: Autocar; Automotive News; Auto Motor und Sport]

REPORT: Saab still has at least two interested parties - BAIC and Merbanco originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beijing automotiveBeijingAutomotivekoenigseggsaab saleSaabSaleSat, 28 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nicolas Cage bought nine (nine!) Rolls-Royce Phantoms... and an island]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/nicolas-cage-bought-nine-nine-rolls-royce-phantoms-and-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/nicolas-cage-bought-nine-nine-rolls-royce-phantoms-and-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/nicolas-cage-bought-nine-nine-rolls-royce-phantoms-and-an/#comments
Nicolas Cage is suing his former manager Samuel Levin for $20 million for gross negligence of his finances and for lining his own pockets at the actor's expense. Cage is moving to sue the former manager due to the actor's sudden cash crunch, which includes a boat load of debt and over $7 million in back taxes. But Levin has a story of his own to tell, and it involves excess on a scale that we can hardly imagine. According to Levin, the actor purchased a scad of really expensive stuff. Like a $7.5 million island in the Bahamas, 15 mansions, four yachts, a Gulfstream, 47 pieces of art and even nine Rolls-Royce Phantoms.

Now we can understand owning nine exotics, or even collecting hundreds of rare cars and storing them at the Burbank airport, but nine Phantoms? At least Reilly purchased a Ferrari with his National Treasure money. We're guessing Cage likes to have a Phantom just about everywhere he is, and since he owns an island and a bunch of mansions he probably has one parked in nine different garages. Regardless, we're having a hard time feeling too sorry for Cage, even if Levin is exaggerating. The actor makes about $20 million a film, so while all that excess sounds like a ton of money, we're guessing the actor can pay his tab with a couple more movie deals. Gone in 60 seconds part two, anyone?

[Source: The Sun]

Nicolas Cage bought nine (nine!) Rolls-Royce Phantoms... and an island originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 01:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>national treasureNationalTreasurenicolas cageNicolasCagenine rolls royce phantomsNineRollsRoycePhantomsrolls royce phantomRollsRoycePhantomFri, 27 Nov 2009 01:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Who will succeed Mullaly at Ford? It's never too early to start handicapping]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/who-will-succeed-mullaly-at-ford-freep-says-its-never-too-earl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/who-will-succeed-mullaly-at-ford-freep-says-its-never-too-earl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/who-will-succeed-mullaly-at-ford-freep-says-its-never-too-earl/#commentsFiled under: ,



When Alan Mulally arrived at Ford Motor Company three years ago, the Blue Oval was in bad shape. New product wasn't exactly pouring in and the company's cash hoard was steadily shrinking. And word on the street is that the corporate culture at Ford was in as much trouble as the product lineup, making change difficult. Now in 2009, it appears Mulally has done the near impossible, turning around Ford's product lineup while supposedly positively altering FoMoCo's corporate culture.

For all of Mulally's success, there is one problem: he's 64 and can't continue to run the company forever. And although Mulally has given no signals of separating from Ford any time soon, industry insiders are already speculating on who will become his successor. The four names that continue to come up are Ford Americas President Mark Fields, global marketing boss Jim Farley, manufacturing whiz Joe Heinrich and Ford Europe savior Lewis Booth.

The Detroit Free Press feels the early money is on Fields. The Harvard grad has been with Ford for 20 years, and he's lead some high profile success stories. He turned around Mazda and is currently piloting Ford North America in the midst of what appears to be a substantial product renaissance. Farley has an advantage in that he came to Ford from Toyota/Lexus and is seen by many as a real up and comer.

By many accounts, Heinrich is a bit of a manufacturing genius. The Harvard Business grad came from General Motors, where he became the company's youngest ever Plant Manager at age 29. Booth has the longest resume and arguably the most examples of success. He appears to have consistently met and exceeded expectations everywhere he has been, including Mazda, Ford Asia Pacific and Ford South Africa. Booth is different from his fellow executives in that he is the only one who isn't in his 40s.

We have no earthly idea who would become the next head of Ford, and we're guessing that we're at least a couple years away from finding out. We're OK with that, because this Mulally guy appears to know what he's doing.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Who will succeed Mullaly at Ford? It's never too early to start handicapping originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallyford ceoford motor companyFordCeoFordMotorCompanyheinrichjim farleyJimFarleylewis boothLewisBoothmark fieldsMarkFieldsThu, 26 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota may pull people out of CA, relocate to KY and MI [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-toyota-mulling-pulling-resources-out-of-ca-heading-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-toyota-mulling-pulling-resources-out-of-ca-heading-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/report-toyota-mulling-pulling-resources-out-of-ca-heading-for/#commentsFiled under: ,

While the majority of Toyota's jobs are still in Japan, the auto juggernaut has also accumulated a 34,000-employee empire here in the U.S. as well. Those jobs are scattered among ten manufacturing facilities and three main office complexes in Michigan, Kentucky and at the company's North American headquarters in Torrence, California. But the downtrodden auto industry and Toyota's recent losses have prompted the Japanese automaker to find ways to cut costs, and the company's California headquarters may lose some workers as a result.

The Detroit News is reporting that Toyota is relocating product planning, accounting, travel and data services jobs from California to its engineering and manufacturing headquarters in Kentucky and its technical center in Michigan. Toyota is neither confirming or denying the report, but the company did say it isn't going to exit California like Nissan did earlier in the decade, adding "Emphasis has been placed on finding new efficiencies, shared services and enhanced collaboration to address the changing economic conditions and prepare Toyota for the future automotive market environment." Toyota currently employs 10,700 workers in California, a number that will drop if this report proves true.

UPDATE: Toyota has released a statement that it isn't planning any "significant geographic relocation of personnel" at this time. Hit the jump to view the short release.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Continue reading REPORT: Toyota may pull people out of CA, relocate to KY and MI [UPDATE]

REPORT: Toyota may pull people out of CA, relocate to KY and MI [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>california jobsCaliforniaJobsKentuckytorrence californiaTorrenceCaliforniatoyotaWed, 25 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mitsubishi considering gasoline-engine MiEV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-mitsubishi-considering-gasoline-engine-miev/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-mitsubishi-considering-gasoline-engine-miev/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-mitsubishi-considering-gasoline-engine-miev/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mitsubishi i MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi already plans on selling its little MiEV electric car in the U.S. within the next 18 months, and it appears that we may get a gasoline powered version of the roomy micro car as well. Automotive News is reporting that Mitsubishi is mulling the idea of putting petrol power in charge of propulsion of some i models, giving dealers a higher volume line that can compete with the Smart Fortwo. The automaker already sells a gasoline powered i in Europe, but Mitsubishi Motors North America VP John Koenig reportedly told AN that the Euro model's turbocharged 660cc motor would likely be swapped out for the same Mitsubishi-sourced 1.0-liter three-cylinder model that powers the Smart.

If Koenig wants to bring the gas-powered i to the States, he estimates that he'll have to prove that dealers can sell 1,000 models per month in order to get the parent company to pull the trigger. That sounds doable to us considering Smart sold 20,000 Fortwo's in the first 10 months of production - in spite of the fact that the unique-looking micro mini is premium-priced and only has two seats. The i can comfortably seat four and it can probably be sold for close to the Fortwo's $11,990 starting price. The typical i sells in more small car tolerant Europe for $16,000.


Gallery: New York 2009: iMiEV


[Source: Automotive News - subs. req.]

REPORT: Mitsubishi considering gasoline-engine MiEV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mitsubishimitsubishi imitsubishi mievMitsubishiIMitsubishiMievsmart fortwoSmartFortwoTue, 24 Nov 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GM's next-gen SUVs to be body-on-frame (otherwise they'd be crossovers)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-gms-next-gen-suvs-to-be-body-on-frame-otherwise-theyd/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-gms-next-gen-suvs-to-be-body-on-frame-otherwise-theyd/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-gms-next-gen-suvs-to-be-body-on-frame-otherwise-theyd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum - Click above for high-res image gallery

The GMT900 platform is by far the highest volume chassis General Motors has here in the States, as it underpins the Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Avalanche and Suburban, the Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV, and the GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL. We never had any doubt that GM would continue to build body-on-frame trucks in the future, but with demand for SUVs shrinking quickly, some thought the body-on-frame SUV would soon be a thing of the past. Maybe not.

Our friends over at Pickuptrucks.com are reporting that the next generation of the GMT platform will be produced by Magna International's Cosma in Canada and Mexico - and that new platform will underpin the next-generation of GM SUVs along with the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado. Pickuptrucks quotes Magna spokesperson Scott Worden as confirming that the next generation of GM's large SUVs will come with the body-on-frame architecture. This sort of chassis tends to add weight versus a unibody platform, but it also adds capability for towing and payload at lower cost.

We're not really all the surprised that GM will continue to build BOF SUVs, especially when considering that the General sold a combined 200,000 copies of the Suburban, Yukon, Tahoe and Escalade last month alone. And last we checked, these are still relatively expensive vehicles that bring in quite a bit of desperately needed profit. And if customers are interested in a family hauler with better interior packaging and fuel economy, we're sure GM dealers will be happy to get them into a Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse or GMC Acadia.


Gallery: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum


[Source: Pickuptrucks]

REPORT: GM's next-gen SUVs to be body-on-frame (otherwise they'd be crossovers) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>body on frame suvBodyOnFrameSuvcadillac escaladeCadillacEscaladechevy suburbanchevy tahoeChevySuburbanChevyTahoegmt 900Gmt900suvtahoeTue, 24 Nov 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Panamera Buyers, Start Packing: Porsche reportedly giving free luggage for late cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/panamera-buyers-start-packing-porsche-reportedly-giving-free-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/panamera-buyers-start-packing-porsche-reportedly-giving-free-l/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/panamera-buyers-start-packing-porsche-reportedly-giving-free-l/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first Porsche Panameras are on their way to dealers as we speak, but the trek from Germany to the US is taking longer than expected due to a reported problem with the key software which is bring fixed at the ports. That leaves 195 expectant Panamera owners without their new German sports sedan for a little while longer, and Porsche thinks it has come up with a nice way to make up for its gaffe.

Autoweek reports that Porsche will give each of the 195 waiting Panamera owners a set of custom luggage for their troubles. And not just any luggage, either. The price tag for this custom Porsche-branded luggage set is reportedly $3,580, or more than many of us paid for our first car. And while we're sure the wait has been painful, it appears the agony will soon subside. A Porsche spokesman reportedly told AW that 72 Panameras have finally reached the dealer and the other 123 will arrive by November 30. Not exactly in time to show off the new Porsche at Thanksgiving, but if you're flying out of town for Christmas the Porsche luggage should come in handy.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera


[Source: AutoWeek]

Panamera Buyers, Start Packing: Porsche reportedly giving free luggage for late cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 panamera2010Panamerakey software issueKeySoftwareIssuepanamera deliveriesPanameraDeliveriesporsche luggageporsche panameraPorscheLuggagePorschePanameraTue, 24 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler piles on even more incentives ahead of the holidays]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-piles-on-even-more-incentives-ahead-of-the-holi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-piles-on-even-more-incentives-ahead-of-the-holi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/report-chrysler-piles-on-even-more-incentives-ahead-of-the-holi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In an effort to spur lagging sales, Chrysler has reportedly cranked up incentive spending on nearly all of its models by $1,000 to $1,500 while also offering 0% financing on many of its models. Chrysler is also said to be offering lease incentives of $500 to $1,000 on minivan leases and financing deals on leftover 2008 and 2009 Dodge Vipers.

The move towards additional rebates comes as incentive spending has been down for crosstown rivals General Motors and Ford. And Chrysler was already spending more on incentives than the industry at large - Edmunds says the typical Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep sold had $3,219 on the hood versus an industry average of $2,486. Chrysler is in a tougher position than its Detroit contemporaries, because the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker has seen its sales slide by 39% on the year - more than any other major player in the U.S. market. One thing Chrysler does have going for it is that dealer inventory is largely in check and Automotive News is reporting that 88% of its vehicles are 2010 models.

Chrysler's latest round of incentives is good now through January 4, 2010.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler piles on even more incentives ahead of the holidays originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingchryslerchrysler incentivesChryslerIncentivesdodgeincentive spendingincentivesIncentiveSpendingjeeprebatesMon, 23 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/video-why-dude-blows-up-diecast-cars-in-slow-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/video-why-dude-blows-up-diecast-cars-in-slow-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/video-why-dude-blows-up-diecast-cars-in-slow-mo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

We'll tell you exactly why, because it's a lot of fun. We know, because we had a similar experience in late adolescence, but we used GI Joe vehicles (even the awesome hovercraft) and firecrackers. But what we didn't have back then was a 600 fps camera, but lucky for us, people do now... and they have YouTube to share it with the rest of us.

After the jump is video of diecast cars getting blown sky high with what appears to be some relatively large explosive. What makes this little experiment so much fun is that our mini pyrotechnician friend captured the carnage 20 times slower than conventional video, giving us a crystal clear picture of every blast. And to make the one minute video that much more entertaining, the creator cut his masterpiece to one of the best pieces of music any aspiring video editor can use in a disaster sequence; Ode To Joy. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself, and keep in mind that blowing things up can lead to blowing off fingers and shrapnel in the eye, so don't try this at home!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo

VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blow up carBlowUpCardie-cast carnagedie-cast carsDie-castCarnageDie-castCarsdiecast carsDiecastCarsexplosionfireworkshot wheelsHotWheelsmatchbox carsMatchboxCarsslo-mo explosionsSlo-moExplosionsslow motionslow-moSlowMotionMon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: SS badge to return to its roots at Chevy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/report-ss-badge-to-return-to-its-roots-at-chevy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/report-ss-badge-to-return-to-its-roots-at-chevy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/report-ss-badge-to-return-to-its-roots-at-chevy/#commentsFiled under: ,


When the SS badge returned to Chevrolet, we were pretty excited. But then the double letter #19 made its way onto the last generation Malibu, and we were immediately and nearly permanently turned off. General Motors later turned up the heat with the turbocharged Cobalt SS and HHR SS, and while we liked those models very much, they in no way conjured up thoughts of 1960's and 1970's Impala and Chevelle SS models. And with more stringent fuel economy standards and government-mandated CO2 reductions, it appears that the SS moniker could well be relegated to the new Camaro. Or maybe not.

Mark Reuss, GM vice president of global engineering, recently told AutoWeek that the SS badge is alive and well. But instead of slapping it on anything and everything with elevated horsepower, the General will instead focus on a more selective process. In other words, we're guessing the ill-conceived FWD Impala SS won't happen again any time soon. Or at least we hope. And while Reuss doesn't hold the glitzy profile of a big-time player like Bob Lutz, the global engineering VP does have plenty of street cred. He worked in Australia to build the RWD Zeta platform that currently underpins the Camaro here in the States, and Zeta is one platform we're dying to see more of here.

So if the SS badge is only going to be considered on a case by case basis, our big question is.... what's next? Well, we have no idea which Chevy will next don the SS badge, but we're hoping recent rumors of a Volt SS are just that: rumors. Perhaps Reuss will convince his fellow executives to marry the SS badge, the Chevy Bowtie and his pride and joy Zeta platform to make a four-door counterpart to the Camaro. That's one way to get yourself Lutz-like notoriety.

[Source: Automotive News subs req'd]

REPORT: SS badge to return to its roots at Chevy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevychevy ssChevySsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmalibu ssMalibuSsmark reussMarkReusssszeta platformZetaPlatformSat, 21 Nov 2009 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[193 vehicles returned under GM's 60-day satisfaction guarantee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/193-vehicles-returned-under-gms-60-day-satisfaction-guarantee/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/193-vehicles-returned-under-gms-60-day-satisfaction-guarantee/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/193-vehicles-returned-under-gms-60-day-satisfaction-guarantee/#commentsFiled under: ,



Last month, General Motors raised some eye brows when it announced its 60-day satisfaction guarantee program giving customers the ability to drive their vehicles for 60 days and return them with zero minimal risk. A month ago, we told you that only one vehicle had been returned under the program, and that guy simply traded his manual tranny Corvette for one with a six-speed slush box. Now, a little more than two months into the promotion, the General has a still fairly insignificant 193 (out of 220,000 sales) customers who have returned their vehicle under the program, and GM says some of those customers decided to purchase different or better equipped GM models.

But while 193 appears to be fairly insignificant when compared to overall sales, it also represents 30 percent of the 653 people who actually opted for the 60-day option in lieu of a $500 discount. While some would say that the 30% number is very bad for GM, we'd say that it isn't much of a surprise given the fact that those 653 customers obviously weren't very sure about their purchase decision to begin with.

GM appears to be pretty pleased with the fact that so few vehicles have been returned during the program, but the automaker also plans to learn from those who were dissatisfied with their product. Vice President of Global Product Engineering Mark Reuss told the Associated Press that he and other executives plan to call customers who turned in their vehicles under the program, calling it "about the best unfiltered consumer feedback we've had" and according to the report, Chairman Ed Whitacre came up with the idea to make the calls. GM's 60-day guarantee promotion is scheduled to end on January 4, 2010.

[Source: Associated Press | Source: Joe Raedle/Getty]

193 vehicles returned under GM's 60-day satisfaction guarantee originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19360 day guarantee60DayGuaranteechairman ed whitacreChairmanEdWhitacregeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmFri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST